MSI to sell MacBook Air-rival with Intel Pentium chips

Micro-Star International (MSI) plans to sell a laptop in its X-Slim series with a high powered Pentium chip to better compete against Apple's ultra-thin MacBook Air.

The company showed off its first X-Slim device, the X320 netbook, at the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas last Thursday, a 1.3-kilogram (3 lb) ultra-thin device with a 13.4-inch screen that runs on a 1.33GHz Intel Z530 Atom microprocessor.

The Atom-based X320s will cost less than US$1000, while X-Slim laptops with Pentium chips inside will cost over US$1000, said Vincent Sung [CQ], assistant vice president of notebook research and development at MSI.

Intel's Atom microprocessor family is aimed at small, mobile devices because it consumes less power so batteries last longer. But the chips are also far less powerful than microprocessors aimed at mainstream laptop PCs, such as Intel Pentium microprocessors.

The difference in the two families of microprocessors is more pronounced when using data-intensive programs. For example, most netbooks with Atom chips use Microsoft Windows XP or a Linux OS, while Microsoft Windows Vista is used on mainstream laptop PCs.

The Atom chips are designed on devices that are mainly used to surf the Web and for Office-like programs. More intensive programs such as video-editing software and high speed games don't work well on systems designed around the chips.

The MSI X320 is just 6-millimeters (1.98-centimeters) at its thickest point. The netbook comes with a choice of batteries, from a 4-cell battery to an a 8-cell battery rated for up to 10-hours of run time. It also includes three USB ports.

Brand Post

"If you can afford the price tag, it is well worth the money. It out performs any other laptop I have tried for gaming, and the transportable design and incredible display also make it ideal for work."

PCW Evaluation Team

I need power and lots of it. As a Front End Web developer anything less just won’t cut it which is why the MSI GT75 is an outstanding laptop for me. It’s a sleek and futuristic looking, high quality, beast that has a touch of sci-fi flare about it.

I would recommend this device for families and small businesses who want one safe place to store all their important digital content and a way to easily share it with friends, family, business partners, or customers.

Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of IDG Communications is prohibited. Copyright 2013 IDG Communications.
ABN 14 001 592 650. All rights reserved.